Following the Israeli military’s successful rescue of four hostages from Hamas militants in Nuseirat, Gazans recounted a harrowing experience of intense bombardment and chaos in the streets, resulting in numerous casualties among Palestinians.
Bayan Abu Amr, 32, found herself amidst the chaos while carrying her 18-month-old son Mohammad near Nuseirat’s main marketplace. The deafening strikes from aircraft targeted militants, causing panic and confusion as people scrambled for safety.
“It was like doomsday; I was lost in the chaos,” shared Ms. Abu Amr, who was on her way to offer condolences to her uncle’s family. “Children cried, women stumbled in fear.”
She managed to board a passing pickup truck with other Gazans seeking refuge from the airstrikes. Amid the commotion, a girl got separated from her mother, and an elderly man fell off the truck.
Hours later, Ms. Abu Amr returned home with her son, grateful to have survived. “I won’t risk taking my son out again,” she vowed.
Israeli forces entered residential buildings to rescue the hostages, facing armed Hamas militants and risking civilian lives, according to Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari. The death toll remained uncertain, with conflicting reports from health officials and the military.
The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah was overwhelmed with new patients following the raid, with corridors packed and the medical staff struggling to cope with the influx of casualties.
Dr. Abdelkarim al-Harazin described the hospital as a massive emergency room, inundated with the wounded and families searching for their loved ones.
As the hospital reached capacity, the International Medical Corps set up a field hospital to accommodate the overflow of patients, providing crucial medical assistance.
Diana Abu Shaban, 28, recalled hearing gunfire as the…
2024-06-10 06:55:48
Original from www.nytimes.com
